Mailinglist Archive: opensuse (1919 mails)

[hlarons@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Howard Arons)]

On Sun, Jun 28, 1998 at 01:30:57AM -0400, Fred A. Miller wrote:
> 
> > ... As for _general_ consumption, though, I don't think Linux (SuSE's
> > or anyone else's) has a prayer vs MS.
> 
> That all depends on how simple SuSE and others make the install,
> administration etc. of ALL Linux, as well as ALL software providers!  As
> long as it just about takes an "act of Congress" to install a system,
> sound drivers, fonts, printers, etc., etc., then you are correct.  IF
> the folks at SuSE and elsewhere get their act together, then Linux will
> be Bill Gates WORST nightmare!!
> 
> Fred

I _promise_ that this will be my last note on this subject (uncrosses 
fingers).

In theory, you're absolutely right. But your conclusion applies not 
only to installs but to the maintenance of the OS and apps as well. 
After all, most "mortal" users buy a box with Win95/98 preinstalled and 
preconfigured. They never touch the OS again. Their efforts to add a 
new printer or a new modem, etc. often end in utter disaster (been 
there, done that I'm ashamed to admit). If they're lucky, they have a 
techie friend (someone who has already been through an install) who can 
bail them out, or they turn to Usenet or (more likely) AOL.

OK, you reply, Linux is the same situation. Well, not exactly. The user 
base isn't comparable, so I'm not likely to be able to turn to the 
techie next door. Leaves me with Usenet or this group--smart and 
helpful people, yes, but not many of you. Installs of new apps (YaST 
aside) aren't of the "click install" flavor; never mind compiling and 
installing.

So, I suggest that Bill G's success is a self-fulfilling prophecy. 
Linux will never, ever reach the point of offering the point-and-click 
convenience that ordinary users (pop, mom, _and_ the folks at the 
office) need and demand. If Linux ever does achieve such a thing, I 
wonder how the current hard core Linux folks will feel about that?

Howard Arons

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